Flagpole illumination device

ABSTRACT

An illumination device having a pole mount, a light support that extends from the pole mount, a lighting unit is connected to the pole mount, and a solar panel assembly is mounted to the lighting unit. In another embodiment an illumination apparatus is provided having a pole mount and a lighting assembly, and the pole mount has hinged first clamp half and second clamp halves. When in the closed clamp position the pole mount clamp defines a pole opening. A first light support extends from the first clamp half and a light emitting assembly is supported by the first light support. In another preferred embodiment there is a band illumination device that is secured to a pole with a band, and in another preferred embodiment there is and adjustable band illumination assembly secured to a pole with bands.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/940,878 filed on Jul. 12, 2013 and this application claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/710,044 filed onOct. 5, 2012 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/671,154 filed on Jul. 13, 2012 and the contents anddisclosures of each are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many houses, businesses and governmental offices display the Americanflag. Oftentimes it is desirable to fly the flag during the nighttimehours. Of course, flag etiquette demands that when the American flag isflown during the nighttime hours it is to be properly illuminated.Presently, nighttime illumination of the flag is accomplished bymounting lights on the ground or nearby structures or buildings. One ofthe problems with keeping with proper flag etiquette is that the lightsmust be on during the entire night and this is expensive because of theamount of electrical power consumed. Indeed, some flag illuminationsystems are for only a limited amount of time and actually are turnedoff during a portion of the night to conserve on power costs.

In addition, homeowners and businesses have a need to provide lightingon their grounds, but do not want to expend the time and funds to haveprofessionals, for example electricians, install the lighting, wiringand lighting fixtures.

Thus, there is a need for lighting device that is inexpensive andreliable, and capable of being installed by the homeowner or business,such that grounds (backyards, parking lots, buildings) or the Americanflag can be illuminated at nighttime.

SUMMARY

An illumination device is provided having a pole mount with a lightsupport extending from the pole mount and a lighting unit is connectedto the pole mount. A solar panel assembly is mounted to the lightingunit wherein the pole mount is adapted to be fitted to poles havingdifferent diameters. The lighting unit is rotatable relative to thelight support and pole mount, and the solar panel assembly is rotatablerelative to the lighting unit.

In another preferred embodiment an illumination apparatus having a polemount clamp and a lighting assembly is provided. The pole mount clamphas a first clamp half and a second clamp half. A hinge joins the firsthalf and the second clamp half together, and the first clamp half andthe second clamp half are movable toward and away from one another to anopen clamp position and to a closed clamp position. When in the closedclamp position the pole mount clamp defines a pole opening. A firstlight support extends from the first clamp half, and second and a thirdlight supports extend from the second clamp half. A light emittingassembly is supported by each of the first, second and third lightsupports. The light emitting assembly includes a solar panel and arechargeable battery pack and includes a light emitting diode componenthaving at least one light emitting diode, and the light emitting diodecomponent is capable of being powered by the rechargeable battery pack.

In another preferred embodiment there is a supported illumination devicewherein an arm mount is provided that is capable of supporting thelighting assembly from a flat surface, for example a wall, a tree or afloor of a building.

In another preferred embodiment a spike supported illumination devicehaving a ground spike and the ground spike has a spike insertion portionand an opposed spike portion. An extension member is provided and isadapted to receive the spike insertion portion and an arm insertionportion of the lighting assembly such that the light emitting assemblyis elevated with respect to the surround ground. For even more elevationof the lighting assembly the extension members are used with connectormembers that hold the extension members together. The connector membersand extension members can also be used in connection with the lightingassembly and the pole mount clamp such that the lighting assembly isspaced a distance away from the pole mount. This provides the user withthe option of support the lighting assembly a distance away from thepole such to provide different types of lighting arrangements.

In another preferred embodiment there is a band illumination devicecomprising a clamp assembly that includes at least one screw band clamphaving at least one band, a pole-engagement component having a base wallfrom which extend first and second contact walls and wherein the firstcontact wall defines at least one first contact wall opening and thesecond contact wall defines at least one second contact wall opening.The band extends through the at least one first contact wall opening andthe at least one second contact wall opening. There is a pole engagementmount having a pole engagement base plate and a pole engagement mountarm that extends from the pole engagement base plate. The poleengagement base plate is connected to the base wall of the poleengagement component, and the pole engagement mount arm has a toothedmount arm portion having mount arm teeth and that defines a poleengagement mount arm opening.

A branched support member is provided. The branched support member has acentral portion from which extend a first branch, a second branch and athird branch and wherein the first branch has a first branch distal endhaving a first branch engagement head that defines first branchengagement head opening and having first engagement head teeth that aremeshed with the mount arm teeth. The first branch engagement head isconnected to the to the toothed mount arm portion with a mount arm boltthat extends through the through the pole engagement mount arm openingand the first branch engagement head opening, such that the branchedsupport member can be adjusted relative to the pole engagement mount armprior to tightening a mount arm nut on the mount arm bolt.

In another preferred embodiment there is an adjustable band illuminationassembly comprising first and second clamp assemblies, a first poleengagement mount having mount arm teeth is joined to the first clampassembly, and a second identical pole engagement mount having mount armteeth joined to the second clamp assembly. A light arm component havinga first light arm end with a toothed light arm portion having light armteeth is provided, and the light arm teeth mesh with the mount arm teethof the first pole engagement mount when the light arm component isjoined to the first pole engagement mount. The light arm component has asecond light arm end having a connecting portion that defines aconnecting opening. A clamped lighting assembly having first and secondlighting assembly lugs that define first and second lighting assemblylug openings is provided. A lighting fastener extends though theconnecting portion opening and the first and second lighting assemblylug openings to join the clamped lighting assembly and the light armcomponent.

A solar arm component having a first solar arm end with a toothed solararm portion with solar arm teeth is provided, and the solar arm teethmesh with the mount arm teeth of the second pole engagement mount whensolar arm component is joined to the second pole engagement mount. Thesolar arm component has a second light arm end that has a solar armengagement portion with solar arm engagement teeth. A solar panel unithaving a solar panel assembly that includes a solar panel engagementhead with solar panel engagement head teeth is provided, and the solarpanel engagement head teeth mesh with the solar arm engagement teeth ofthe solar arm engagement portion when the solar panel engagement head isjoined to the solar arm component.

In another preferred embodiment a spike illumination assembly providedthat includes ground spikes that are used to elevate the solar panelunit and the clamped lighting assembly above the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an illumination device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pole mount.

FIG. 2A is a front elevational view of the pole mount as it is beinginstalled on a flagpole.

FIG. 2B is a front elevational view of the mount installed on aflagpole.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a light support.

FIG. 3A is a right end view of the light support.

FIG. 3B is a left end view of the light support.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the light support.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the illumination device.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the lighting unit.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the lighting unit.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a solar panel assembly.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the solar panel assembly.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the illumination device in use.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of an illumination device.

FIG. 11 is an embodiment wherein the illumination device is installed ona pole in an inverted position to provide ground lighting.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pole mount clamp in a closedposition.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the pole mount clamp in an openposition.

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the pole mount clamp is an openposition from a different angle than that shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the pole mount clamp.

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of a ring insert.

FIG. 15B is a top plan view of a split ring insert.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a light emitting assembly that is capable ofbeing supported by the pole mount clamp.

FIG. 16A is a front view of another embodiment of the light emittingassembly that is capable of being supported by the pole mount clamphaving a shaped insertion portion.

FIG. 16B is a section view of FIG. 16A taken along line X-X of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the light emitting assembly.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a toothed clamp.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the light emitting assembly supported by apole mount clamp that is clamped to a pole.

FIG. 20 is a top view of an embodiment showing an arm mount.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the arm mount of FIG. 20.

FIG. 21A is a side view of the arm mount and a portion of the lightemitting assembly.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a ground spike.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the ground spike taken along line Z-Z ofFIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the ground spike taken along line Y-Y ofFIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is top view of an extension member.

FIG. 26 is an end view of the extension member.

FIG. 26A is a view of the ground spike as a connecting member is movedon the ground spike in the direction of arrow K and an arm insertcapable of being received in the connecting member.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a connector member.

FIG. 28 is an end view of the connector member.

FIG. 29 is a diagrammatic view of the connector member, extension memberand the ground spike.

FIG. 30 is a diagrammatic view of connector members, extension members,the pole mount and the lighting assembly where the connector andextension members increase the distance of the lighting assembly fromthe pole mount.

FIG. 31 is a front view of a band illumination device supported on apole.

FIG. 32 is a front view of a screw band clamp.

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of the screw band clamp.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a pole engagement component.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the pole engagement component.

FIG. 36 is a left side view of the pole engagement component.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the pole engagement clamp.

FIG. 38 is a front view of a pole engagement mount.

FIG. 39 is a right side view of the pole engagement mount.

FIG. 40 is a rear view of the pole engagement mount.

FIG. 41 is a front view of a branched support member.

FIG. 42 is a rear view of the branched support member.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the branched support member.

FIG. 44A is a front view of a clamped lighting assembly.

FIG. 44B is a rear view of the clamped lighting assembly.

FIG. 45 is a right side view of the clamped lighting assembly.

FIG. 46 is a left side view of a solar panel assembly.

FIG. 47 is a top view of the solar panel assembly.

FIG. 48 is a front view of the solar panel assembly.

FIG. 49 is a rear view of the solar panel assembly.

FIG. 50 is a front view of another preferred embodiment showing anadjustable band illumination assembly installed on a pole.

FIG. 51 is a side view of light arm component.

FIG. 52 is a top view of a clamped lighting assembly.

FIG. 53 is a side view of a clamped lighting assembly.

FIG. 54 is a side view of a solar arm component.

FIG. 55 is a front view of a solar panel unit.

FIG. 56 is a rear view of the solar panel unit.

FIG. 57 is a front view of another preferred embodiment showing a spikeillumination assembly.

FIG. 58 is a front view of another portion of the a spike illuminationassembly.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the illumination device 10 forilluminating, for example, a flag 102 supported on a pole 100 (shown inFIG. 9), and the pole 100 may embodied to be virtually any poleincluding a flagpole 101. The pole 100 is supported in the ground 99.

As shown in FIG. 2 the illumination device 10 includes a pole mount 14that has a cylindrical shape and has a surrounding sidewall 15 andfacing first and second gap edges 24, 26. When the facing first andsecond gap edges 24, 26 abut one another the pole mount 14 has aninternal diameter designated D in FIG. 2 of about four inches. It is tobe understood that the diameter D can be embodied to have any diameterrequired for a particular application, that is, to fit around poles 100having different diameters D. For example, the diameter D of the polemount 14 can be one inch to four inches. The pole mount 14 is made of aflexible material, for example flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC),flexible plastics, and other suitable flexible materials.

The surrounding sidewall 15 has an interior pole mount surface 16 and anopposed exterior pole mount surface 18, and opposed first and secondpole mount ends 20, 22. The facing first and second gap edges 24, 26define a gap space 27 designated G1 in the surrounding sidewall 15 whenthe pole mount 14 is in an unexpanded position 17 (shown in FIG. 2). Asshown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, attached or joined to the exterior pole mountsurface 18 is a first strip of fabric 28 a having hooks 28 and the hooks28 are exposed. Also attached to the exterior pole mount surface 18 is asecond strip of fabric 30 a having loop portion 30 b having loops 30. Inparticular, the loop portion 30 b has opposed first and second loopportion sides 30 c, 30 d, and the loops 30 extend first loop portionside 30 c. The loop portion 30 is not joined to the exterior pole mountsurface 18. The hooks 28 and loops 30 are capable of being releaseablyattached to one another in a known manner. The first and second stripsof fabric 28 a, 30 a are also horizontally aligned with one another suchthat they can be releasably joined. The first and second strips offabric 28 a, 30 a are joined to the exterior pole mount surface 18 witha weatherproof adhesive or glue 23 in one of the preferred embodiments.

As mentioned, the surrounding sidewall 15 of the pole mount 14 isflexible and thus the gap space 27, as measure from the first gap edge24 to the second gap edge 26, can be manually increased. That is, thedistance from the first gap edge 24 to the second gap edge 26 can beincreased manually (as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2) such that polemount 14 can be manually fitted around the pole 100 without breaking.The pole mount 14 is shown in the expanded position 17 a in FIG. 2A asit is being fitted on the pole 100. As shown in FIG. 2A the gap space 27is designated G2, and G2 is greater than G1 as the pole mount 14 isfitted on the pole 100.

After having been fitted on the pole 100 the pole mount 14 returns toits unexpanded position 17. As shown in FIG. 2B the hooks 28 are joinedto the loops 30 of the loop portion 30 b of the second strip of fabric30 a such that the pole mount 14 is compressed against the pole 100 suchthat the interior pole mount surface 16 abuts the pole 100. It ispointed out that the second gap edge 26 can overlap the first gap edge24 of the pole mount 14 such that the pole mount 14 can be secured topoles 100 having different diameters. In this manner the pole mount 14is secured to the pole 100 and is capable of supporting loads appliedthereto.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pole mount 14 also defines a bolt opening 34with three such bolt opening 34 being shown in the figure. Each of thebolt openings 34 is for receiving a bolt 36 such that a head 38 of thebolt 36 abuts against the interior pole mount surface 16. FIG. 2B showsa bolt 36 extending from the pole mount 14 for illustrative purposes.The head 38 of the bolt 36 abuts the pole 100 and abuts the interiorpole mount surface 16 such that a threaded portion 39 of the bolt 38extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the pole100. In other preferred embodiments there can be more or less than threebolt openings 34 defined in the pole mount 14.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-3C, the illumination device 10 also includes alight support 40, with three light supports 40 being shown. Each lightsupport 40 is a one-piece body and has a cylindrical portion 41 thatmerges with an attachment portion 42 and it is made of plastic in one ofthe preferred embodiments. The cylindrical portion 41 has a contouredend 43 best shown in FIG. 3C that leads to a recess 44 (FIG. 3A) definedin the light support 40. The cylindrical portion 41 is joined with anend wall 45 that has an interior end wall side 45 a and an opposedexterior end wall side 45 b (FIG. 3B). The cylindrical portion 41 andthe interior end wall side 45 a define the recess 44. The end wall 45also defines an end wall opening 46 sized to allow the bolt 36 to passtherethrough. It is pointed out that the contoured end 43 has a concavesurface 43 a such that when the contoured end 43 is fitted against theexterior pole mount surface 18 of the pole mount 14 the contoured end 43abuts the exterior pole mount surface 18. In particular, the exteriorpole mount surface 18 has a convex surface 18 a that abuts against theconcave surface 43 a of the contoured end 43 of the light support 40, asshown in FIG. 1. It is pointed out that glues, caulk or epoxy can beused where light support 40 abuts the pole mount 14.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C the attachment portion 42 of the lightsupport 40 includes a pair of spaced apart support brackets 48 a, 48 b,that extend substantially perpendicularly from the end wall 45, and eachdefines a pivot pin opening commonly designated 49. Disposed between thepair of spaced apart support brackets 48 a, 48 b is a nut 50, andopposed flat portions of the nut 50 abut against the end wall 45 andabut against the pair of spaced apart support brackets 48 a, 48 b. Dueto this arrangement, the nut 50 is held in place and is not capable ofrotating or being rotated.

The light support 40 is attached to the pole mount 14 by installing thepreviously described bolt 36 through the bolt openings 34. Then thecontoured end 43 of the light support is abutted against the pole mount14 in the manner previously described. The bolt 36 is then threaded tothe nut 50 and tightened thus securing the light support 40 to the polemount 14.

The illumination device 10 also includes a lighting unit 56. Inparticular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6 the pair of spaced apart supportbrackets 48 a, 48 b are pivotally connected to the lighting unit 56. Thelighting unit 56 has a lighting assembly 57 disposed in a light housing60 and is powered by electrical power. As shown in FIG. 5, extendingfrom the light housing 60 is a housing extension 61 that defines a pivotpin bore 61 a. A pivot pin 58 is fitted in the pivot pin openings 49defined in the pair of spaced apart support brackets 48 a, 48 b and inthe pivot pin bore 61 a to connect the light support 40 to the lightingunit 56. The pivot pin 58 can be replaced with a nut and bolt assembly59 (FIG. 4) such that the user can adjust the angle of lighting unit 56relative to the light support 40 and the pole 100 and then lock thatposition in place by tightening the nut and bolt assembly 59. Thus, theangle of the lighting unit 56 makes relative to the pole mount 14 (andpole 100) is infinitely variable by the user as shown by the arrowdesignated B in FIG. 4.

In addition, in one of the preferred embodiments the lighting assembly57 includes a light emitting diode (hereinafter LED) 62 for producinglight. The lighting assembly 57 can have three LED's 62 as shown in FIG.6, or can have more or less than three LED's 62. The LED's 62 can emitwhite light or colored light. The lighting assembly 57 also includes aweatherproof transparent cover or lens 64. In other embodiments the lens64 may be colored. LED's and the use and operation of such LED's arewell known to those having ordinary skill in the art and they aretherefore not described in greater detail herein. In addition, othersuitable lights may be used for providing light in other preferredembodiments.

As also shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the light housing 60 also has aextending from it a solar panel support arm 70, and the solar panelsupport arm 70 is diametrically opposed to the housing extension 61. Thesolar panel support arm 70 defines a support arm recess 72 and definessupport arm bores 74.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8 the illumination device 10 also includes asolar panel assembly 80 having a panel mount member 82. The panel mountmember 82 defines a panel mount member bore 84. A solar panel pivot pin86 is provided and is fitted in the support arm bores 74 and the panelmount member bore 84, thus attaching them together. The solar panelpivot pin 86 can embodied in the form of a nut and bolt assembly 59(FIG. 4) such that the user can adjust the angle of panel mount member82 relative to the solar panel support arm 70 and then lock thatposition in place by tightening the nut and bolt assembly 59. Thus, theangle the solar panel assembly 80 makes relative to the solar panelsupport arm 70 is infinitely variable by the user as shown by the arrowdesignated C in FIG. 4. In addition, the solar panel assembly 80 alsoincludes a solar panel 90 and a rechargeable battery 92 for storingelectrical power collected by the solar panel 90. The rechargeablebattery 92 is disposed in a battery housing 91 and the solar panel 90 ismounted on and joined to the battery housing 91. Wires 85 (FIG. 6)extend from the solar panel assembly 80 to the lighting unit 56 to powerthe LED's 62. The use, operation and construction of solar panels,batteries for storing the electrical power collected by the solarpanels, and the associated wiring and circuitry to power LED's is wellknown to those having ordinary skill in the art and is therefore notdescribed in greater detail herein.

In use, the user installs the illumination device 10 on the pole 100 inthe manner previously described and optionally at a height that is outof the reach of people who happen to pass by the pole 100. The userrotates the solar panels 90 to ensure maximum exposure to the sun. Inone of the preferred embodiments the pole 100 is embodied as a flagpole101. In such an embodiment the user also rotates the lighting units 56to ensure the rays of light 200 (FIG. 9) make full contact with a flag102 hanging from the flagpole 101. The solar panel assembly 80 willthereafter collect and store energy during the day and emit light atnight on the flag 102, thus illuminating the flag 102.

In another preferred embodiment of the illumination device 10 the polemount 14 is connected to four light supports 40 and the light supports40 are spaced an equal distance from one another about the pole mount14.

In another preferred embodiment of the illumination device 10 the polemount 14 is connected to two light supports 40 that are spaced an equaldistance from one another. That is, the light supports 40 extend indiametrically opposite directions from the pole mount 14.

In another preferred embodiment of the illumination device 10 there arethree light supports 40 that are spaced equal distances from oneanother.

In another preferred embodiment the pole mount 10 and the light supports40 can be formed of molded plastic such that the pole mount 10 and lightsupports 40 are in the form of as one-piece body. In this embodiment theneed for the above-described bolt 36 and nut 50 is eliminated.

In another preferred embodiment the illumination device 10 is sold as akit that may include a pole 100 or flagpole 101. The pole mount 14 maybe made without the first and second gap edges 24, 26, that is, withoutthe gap space 27, because the diameter of the pole 10 is known inadvance. The first strip of fabric 28 a having hooks 28 and the secondstrip of fabric 30 a having loop portion 30 b having loops 30 isprovided for on the pole mount 14 as previously described, and they areused to compress the pole mount 14 on the flagpole 101.

FIG. 9 is a view of the illumination device 10 installed on a flagpole101 at nighttime with rays of light 200 illuminating the flag 102.

FIG. 10 is another preferred embodiment wherein the illumination device10 has a plurality of spaced apart lighting units 56. In other preferredembodiments the lighting units 56 can be equidistant from one anotherand the number of light units 56 can be varied, for example from one toeight lighting units 56.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment wherein the illumination device 10 ismounted in an inverted position on a pole 100 so that a path or road 110is illuminated by the lighting units 56.

FIGS. 12-19 depict another preferred embodiment showing an illuminationapparatus 298 that includes a pole mount clamp 300 (best shown in FIG.19) and a light emitting assembly 360. As shown in FIG. 12, the polemount clamp 300 is in a closed clamp position 301. In the closedposition 301 the pole mount clamp 300 has an internal diameter(designated ID in FIG. 15) of about 4 (four) inches. The pole mountclamp 300 has a first clamp half 302 and a second clamp half 304. In oneof the preferred embodiments the pole mount clamp 300 is made ofplastic.

As best shown in FIG. 13, the first clamp half 302 has a first barrelmembers 306 and as shown there are two such first barrel members 306,and the second clamp half 302 has second barrel members 308, and thereare three such second barrel members 308. The first barrel members 306and the second barrel members 308 are intermeshed with one another andtogether define a pin opening 310. A hinge pin 312 is disposed in thepin opening 310 to hold the first and second barrel members 306, 308together to form a hinge 315, so that the first and second clamp halves302, 304 can be rotated relative to one another as indicated by thearrow designated Z in FIG. 13. In FIGS. 13 and 14 the pole mount clamp300 is in an open clamp position 303. The first and second clamp halves302, 304 and the hinge pin 312 are made of plastic on one of thepreferred embodiments, but can be made of other materials, for examplemetals. It is pointed out that, as shown in FIG. 13, in one of thepreferred embodiments the first clamp half 302 and the first barrelmembers 306 are formed as a one piece body 307, and the second clamphalf 304 and the second barrel members are formed as a one piece body309.

As shown in FIG. 13 the first clamp half 302 has a first clamping lug314 with first lug openings 316, and the second clamp half 304 has asecond clamping lug 318 with second lug openings 320. When the first andsecond clamp halves 302, 304 are in the closed clamp position 301 thefirst and second lug openings 316, 320 are aligned with one another andfasteners 322 (FIG. 15) are inserted therein to hold the first andsecond clamp halves 302, 304 in the closed clamp position 301. When thepole mount clamp 300 is in the closed clamped position 301 the polemount clamp 300 defines a pole opening 305. The fasteners 322 can berepeatedly tightened and removed such that the first and second halves302, 304 can be repeatedly moved from the closed clamp position 301 tothe open clamp position 303. The fasteners 322 may comprise plastic ormetal and are threaded in one of the preferred embodiments so as to beable to thread to internal threads, commonly designated 324, thatsurrounds one or both of the to an first and second lug openings 316,320. It is pointed out that in one of the preferred embodiments thefirst clamp half 302 and the first clamping lug 314 are formed as aone-piece body 317, and the second clamp half 304 and the secondclamping lug 318 are formed as a one-piece body 319.

As shown in FIG. 13, extending from the first clamp half 302 is a firstlight support 330, and extending from the second clamp half 304 aresecond and third light supports 332, 334. As best shown in FIGS. 14, 15and 19 each of the first, second and third light supports 330, 332, 334defines first, second and third clamp fastener openings designated 337a, 337 b, and 337 d, respectively, and each sized to receive a clampfastener 339 that may be embodied as a screw. In one of the preferredembodiments the first clamp half 302 and the first light support 330 areformed as a one-piece body 331 and can be made of plastic, andsimilarly, the second clamp half 304 and the second and third lightsupports 332, 334 are formed as a one piece body 335 and can be made ofplastic. The first, second and third light supports 330, 332, 334 definefirst, second and third light support recess 330 a, 332 a, 334 a,respectively, each for receiving an arm insert 400 (shown in FIGS. 16,17, 18 and 19). FIG. 16 shows an arm insert opening 403 defined in thearm insert 400 that can be aligned with the first clamp fastener opening337 a. The clamp fastener 339 is then moved through the first clampfastener opening 337 a and arm insert opening 403 and tightened tosecure them together.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first clamp half 302 has a first clamp halfinternal surface 342, and the second clamp half 304 has a second clamphalf internal surface 344, and each of the first and second clamp halfinternal surfaces 342, 344 is concave. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A, aninsert 338 is provided that is made of plastic or from a rigid plasticor a rigid foam material and has a circular shape and resembles theshape of an O-ring. The insert 338 is disposed such that it abutsagainst the pole 100 and the first and second clamp half internalsurfaces 342, 344 when the first and second clamp halves 302, 304 are inthe closed clamp position 301. The insert 338 could be installed bymoving it over an end of the pole 100 until it is at the desiredlocation on the pole. The purpose of the insert 338 is to allow the polemount clamp 300 to be adapted for use with poles 100, for exampleflagpoles 101, having different diameters. As shown in FIG. 15B theinsert 338 is embodied as a split ring insert 338 a having a slit 338 b,such that the split ring insert 338 a and can be readily fitted aroundthe pole 100 at any desired location on the pole 100. The split ringinsert 338A is disposed such that it abuts against the pole 100 and thefirst and second clamp half internal surfaces 342, 344 when the firstand second clamp halves 302, 304 are in the closed clamp position 301.In one of the preferred embodiments an adhesive 346 (preferably aweatherproof adhesive and shown in FIG. 15) is applied to the one of thefirst or second internal surfaces 342, 344. The insert 338 (or the splitring insert 338 a) is then moved into contact with the adhesive 346 andadhered to the pole mount clamp 300. The adhesive 346 could be appliedsuch that is covers both the first and second internal surfaces 342, 344so that the insert 338 is adhered to both the first and second clamphalves 302, 304, but it would need to be cut if the first and secondhalves 302, 304 needed to be unclamped.

The insert 338 thus allows the pole mount clamp 300 to be used with inconnection with poles 100 having diameters of less than four inches, forexample three inches, two and a half inches and two inches. Indeed, theinsert 338 can be formed in various sizes such that the pole mount clamp300 can accommodate virtually any pole 100 having a diameter of lessthan four inches. In other preferred embodiments the pole mount clamp300 has an internal diameter greater than four inches.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, there is the light emitting assembly 360 ofthe illumination apparatus 298. The light emitting assembly 360 iscapable of being supported by the above-described pole mount clamp 300.The light emitting assembly 360 includes a solar panel 90 a and arechargeable battery pack 362 (FIG. 17). In one of the preferredembodiments the rechargeable battery pack 362 includes three 1,500milliamp-hour batteries with an output voltage of about 5 (five volts).The battery pack 362 is disposed in a battery pack housing 363.

The light emitting assembly 360 also includes a light emitting diodecomponent 366. A wire 85 connects the rechargeable battery pack 362 tothe light emitting diode component 366, and the light emitting diodecomponent 366 has eight (8) LED's 62. The number of LED's 62 may bevaried.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 a pair of panel lugs 368 extends from thebattery pack housing 363. A light emitting diode lug 370 extends fromthe light emitting diode component 366, and the light emitting diode lug379 is positioned between the pair of panel lugs 368. An adjustment bolt372 extends through both the pair of panel lugs 368 and the lightemitting diode lug 370, thus holding them together. The adjustment bolt372 can be loosened and then tightened such that the solar panel 90 acan be adjusted relative to the light emitting diode component 366 (asindicated by the arrow designed F-F in FIG. 17) and then fixed in anydesired position by tightening the adjustment bolt 372.

The light emitting diode component 366 has an outer housing 378, anddisposed internal to the outer housing 378 is a LED housing 380 thatincludes a lens 382, as shown in FIG. 16. The LED housing 380 isdesigned so as to be watertight. There is a gap space 384 definedbetween the LED housing 380 and the outer housing 378 such that watercan drain around the LED housing 380 and out an outflow opening 386(FIG. 17) defined in the outer housing 378.

As shown in FIG. 18 extending from the outer housing 378 of the lightemitting diode component 366 is a housing arm 390. The housing arm 390has a first toothed portion 392 having first teeth 394 that extendtherefrom, and the first toothed portion 392 defines a bolt opening 396.The light emitting assembly 360 also includes the previously mentionedarm insert 400 that has a second toothed portion 402 having second teeth404 that extend therefrom, and the second toothed portion 402 defines abolt opening 406. The arm insert 400 also has an insertion portion 401that meets with the second toothed portion 402. The first and secondteeth 394 are 404 are sized such they are capable of meshing togetherwhen the first and second toothed portions 392, 402 are moved togetherand abut one another. A bolt 405 is threadable to a nut 407 disposed inthe arm insert 400 and is for connecting the housing arm 390 and the arminsert 400 together. It is pointed out that prior to tightening the nutand bolt 407, 405 and prior to meshing the first and second teeth 394,404 the housing arm 390 and the arm insert 400 are rotated or movedrelative to one another (as indicated by the arrow G-G in FIG. 17) sothe user can select a desired angle for the light emitting diodecomponent 366. Once the angle is selected, the user meshes the first andsecond teeth 394, 404 and tightens the nut and bolt 407, 405 thuslocking the position of the light emitting diode component 366 in place.

As shown in FIG. 19, the above described insertion portion 401 of thearm insert 400 is inserted into the first light support recess 330 adefined in the first light support 330 and is held therein with, forexample, a pressure or compression type fit. In addition, the user canuse the previously described clamp fasteners 339 to connect the arminsert 400 and the first light support 330 for additional stability, forexample in high wind situations. The arm insert 400 could also beconnected to the first light support 330 with, for example, adhesives.In addition, the insertion portion 401 of the arm insert 400 is shownhaving a generally cylindrical shape.

In another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B the insertionportion 401 of the arm insert 400 is modified. In particular, theinsertion portion 401 is replaced with a shaped insertion portion 420having four ribs commonly designated 422 that are perpendicular to oneanother that meet and join with circular walls 424 that are circularshaped. The ribs 422 and circular walls 424 provide for acompressive/friction fit when the shaped insertion portion 420 is movedinto, for example, the first light recess 330 a of the first lightsupport 330.

FIG. 19 is a side view of one of the illumination apparatus 298 whereinone of the light emitting assemblies 360 is supported by the first lightsupport 330 of the pole mount clamp 300. It is to be understood that thesecond and third light supports 332, 334 can also support light emittingassemblies 360 in the manner described above. Due to the fact that thesolar panel 90 a can be moved as indicated by the arrow designate F-F,and the light emitting diode component 366 can be moved as indicated byarrow designated G-G the illumination apparatus 298 can be readilyadjusted to accommodate virtually any lighting application and gathersolar energy regardless of the season of the year.

In another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-21A there is asupported illumination device 499 wherein the above-described arm insert400 (FIG. 18) is replaced with an arm mount 500 that is capable of beingbolted, nailed or screwed directly to a surface, for example a wall, afloor 507, a post or a tree (not shown). Here, the pole mount claim 300is not needed. The arm mount 500 has a base portion 502 that defines armmount openings 504 for accommodating the screw, nail or bolt. Extendingfrom the base portion 502 is an arm portion 506 that meets with an armtoothed portion 508 having arm teeth 510 that extend therefrom, and thearm toothed portion 508 has an arm bolt opening 512. The arm teeth 510of the armed toothed portion 508 intermesh with the first teeth 394 ofthe first toothed portion 392 (shown in FIG. 18) in the manner describedimmediately above. Thus, the arm mount 500 expands the scope of use ofthe invention to flat surfaces.

In another preferred embodiment there is a spike supported illuminationdevice 599 shown in FIGS. 22-24 there is a ground spike 600 having aspike portion 602. The spike portion 602 has four spike flanges commonlydesignated 604 that are each tapered to and terminate at a spike tip606. In addition, extending from the ground spike 602 is a spikeinsertion portion 608 having four spike ribs commonly designated 610that are perpendicular to one another that meet and join with circularspike walls 612. The spike portion 602 is capable of being driven intothe ground.

As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 there is an extension member 620, and theextension member 620 is hollow and defines and extension member opening622 and has an exterior surface 624. The exterior surface 624 may havelongitudinal corrugations 626 in one of the preferred embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 26A, the extension member 620 has an internal diameter andthe spike insertion portion 608 is capable of fitting in a firstextension member end 621 in a close fitting friction fit or compressiontype fit. In addition, the extension member 620 also has an opposedsecond extension member end 623 that is capable of receiving theabove-described insertion portion 401 (FIG. 18) of the arm insert 400therein in a close fitting relationship friction fit or compression typefit. Thus, the extension member 620 elevates the light emitting assembly360 above the surrounding ground 99.

To elevate the light emitting assembly 360 even higher a connectormember 670 is provided and is shown in FIGS. 27-29. The connector member670 has first and second connector ribs 672, 674 that meet at rightangles relative to one another, and a spacing disk 674 is disposed inthe first and second connector ribs 672, 674 such that they extend inopposite directions from the spacing disk 674. The spacing disk 674 alsoextends beyond the edges of the first and second connector ribs 672,674. The connector member 670 is capable of making a close fittingfriction/compression type fit with the extension members 620, and thespacing disk 674 prevents the connector member 670 from entering theinterior of the extension member 620. As is readily apparent, anydesired number of the extension members 620 can be connected in thismanner by adding more connector members 670 and extension members 620 asshown in FIG. 29, to thus provide for virtually any spacing of the lightemitting assembly 360 from the ground spike 602.

The use of the above-described extension member 620 and connector member670 is not limited solely to use in connection with the ground spike602. In particular, as shown in FIG. 19 the light emitting assembly 360is supported directly by the first light support 330 of the pole mountclamp 300. The distance from the light emitting assembly 360 to the polemount clamp 330 can be increased by the use of the extension members 620and connector members 670. For example, in FIG. 30 there are a pluralityof connector members 670 and extension members 620 (prior to beinginserted into one another). Thus, the distance of the light emittingassembly 360 from the pole 100 can be increased by the use of connectormembers 670 and extension members 620, and this fills the needs of usershaving different lighting requirements.

In addition, the illumination apparatus 298, the supported illuminationdevice 499, and the spike supported illumination device 599 can be soldas kits.

In another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 31-49, there is a bandillumination device 700. As shown in FIG. 32, the band illuminationdevice 700 includes a clamp assembly 702 that includes at least onescrew band clamp 704 with two screw band clamps 704 shown in FIG. 31.The screw band clamp 704 has a band 706 that defines screw openings 708that are spaced apart from one another. A first end 710 of the screwband clamp 704 has a screw holder 705 that is joined to a captive screw712 that can be rotated to tighten and loosen the screw band clamp 704when the captive screw 712 engages the clamp edges 714 that define thescrew openings 708.

As shown in FIGS. 34-37, the clamp assembly 702 further includes apole-engagement component 714. The pole-engagement component 714 hasbase wall 715 with first and second contact walls 716, 718 extendingfrom the base wall 715. The base wall 715 defines base wall openingscommonly designated 717. The first and second contact walls 716, 718flare outwardly from the base wall 715 in one of the preferredembodiments. There are also first contact wall openings 720 defined inthe first contact wall 716 and second contact wall openings 722 definedin the second contact wall 718. The first and second contact wallopenings 720, 722 are sized to accommodate the bands 706, such that oneband 706 can be passed through one of the first contact wall openings720 and one of the second contact wall openings 722, and the anotherband 706 can be passed through the one of the first contact wallopenings 720 and one of the second contact wall openings 722. The bands706 surround the pole 100 and can be tightened or loosened by rotatingthe captive screws 712.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 38-40 the band illumination device 700 includesa pole engagement mount 730 having a pole engagement base plate 731 thatdefines base plate openings commonly designated 733. The pole engagementbase plate 731 abuts against and is joined to the base wall 715 of thepole-engagement component 714 with fasteners 732, for example, screws ornuts and bolts, that extend through the base plate openings 733 and thebase wall openings 717. Two base plate openings 733 and two base wallopenings 717 are shown in the figures, but in other preferredembodiments there can be more than two base plate openings 733 and twobase wall openings 717. The pole engagement mount 730 also has a poleengagement mount arm 734 that extends from and is joined to the poleengagement base plate 731. The pole engagement mount arm 734 and thepole engagement base plate 731 may be formed as a one-piece body. Thepole engagement mount arm 734 has a toothed mount arm portion 736 havingmount arm teeth 737 and that defines a pole engagement mount arm opening738. As shown in FIG. 40, the pole engagement mount arm opening 738 isdefined in part by internal walls 740 that form a hexagonal shape suchthat a nut 742 can be disposed therein (as indicated by the dashed arrowin FIG. 40).

As shown in FIGS. 31, 41 and 42, the band illumination device 700 alsoincludes a branched support member 744 that has a generally Y-shape andhas opposed first and second branch sides 745, 747. The branched supportmember 744 has a central portion 745 from which extend first, second andthird branches 746, 748, 750. Although the second branch 748 is shown tohave a curved shape, it is to be understood that in other preferredembodiments the second branch 748 is straight and has no curvature. Thefirst branch 746 has a first branch distal end 750 having a first branchengagement head 752 with first engagement head teeth 754 (best shown inthe top view of FIG. 41). Similarly, the second branch 748 has a secondbranch distal end 756 with a second branch engagement head 758 withsecond engagement head teeth 759 (best shown in FIG. 41). The thirdbranch 750 has third branch distal end 760 having a third branchattachment portion 762. In addition, the first branch engagement head752 defines a first branch engagement head opening 764, and the secondbranch engagement head 758 defines a second branch engagement headopening 766, and the third branch attachment portion 762 defines a thirdbranch attachment portion opening 768. FIG. 42 shows a bottom view ofthe branched support member 744, and FIG. 43 shows a perspective view ofthe branched support member 744.

The band illumination device 700 also includes a clamped lightingassembly 780 as shown in FIGS. 44A, 44B and 45 and it connects to thesecond branch engagement head 758 (FIG. 41). In particular, as shown inFIG. 44A the clamped lighting assembly 780 has a lighting assemblyextension member 782 having a lighting assembly engagement head 784 witha lighting assembly engagement head toothed portion 786 and havinglighting assembly engagement head teeth 788. The lighting assemblyengagement head 784 defines a lighting assembly engagement head opening790. The lighting assembly engagement head teeth 788 intermesh with thesecond engagement head teeth 759 (see FIG. 41) of the second branch 748and locked in place with an engagement head bolt 761 that extendsthrough the second branch engagement head opening 766 and the lightingassembly engagement head opening 790 (as shown in FIG. 31). It ispointed out that the lighting assembly engagement head 784 and thesecond branch engagement head 758 can be adjusted relative to oneanother prior to tightening an engagement head nut 763 (FIG. 43) on theengagement head bolt 761.

The clamped lighting assembly 780 also includes a housing portion 792and a cover portion 794 and the housing portion 792 is joined with thelighting assembly extension member 782. The housing portion 792 definesa housing portion recess 793. Extending from a first housing portionedge 795 (FIG. 44B) is a clamping lug 796 that defines a clamping lugopening 798. Extending from the housing portion 792 in a directionopposite the clamping lug 796 is a first plate extension 800 and asecond plate extension 804. A plurality of LED's 62 with associatedcircuitry (with twelve being shown in FIG. 44A) are disposed in thehousing portion recess 793. It is pointed out that the number of LED'scan be more or less than twelve in other preferred embodiments.

The cover portion 794 of the clamped lighting assembly 780 furtherincludes a plate frame 812 that surrounds a generally rectangular shapedtransparent plate 810, for example a clear plastic plate. The plateframe 812 includes a frame lug 814 that defines a frame lug opening 816.A frame fastener 813, for example a nut and bolt, is received in theframe lug opening 816 and the clamping lug opening 798. The coverportion 794 also includes a first abutment lug 818 having a firstabutment lug end 824, and a second abutment lug 820 having a secondabutment end 822. The first and second abutment ends 824, 822 abutagainst the first and second plates 800, 804, such that when theclamping lug 796 and frame lug 814 are clamped together the coverportion 794 cannot be moved. Thus, the cover portion is removeablyattached to the housing portion 792. A power cord 826 extends throughthe housing portion 792 and provides power to the LED's 62.

As shown in FIGS. 46-49 the band illumination device 700 also includes asolar panel assembly 830 that is connected to the attachment portion 762of the third branch 750. In particular, the solar panel assembly 830 hasa pair of facing first and second assembly arms 832 a, 832 b that definefirst and second assembly arm openings 834 a, 834 b respectively. Thepair of first and second assembly arms 832 a, 832 b extend from abattery housing 836 containing rechargeable batteries 840 (shown indashed lines in FIG. 47). The solar panel assembly 830 also has a solararray 842 having, for example, eight solar panels 844 that are wired tothe rechargeable batteries 840 so as be able to deliver electric chargeto the rechargeable batteries 840. An array frame 843 surrounds thesolar array 842. The battery housing 836 also defines a power buttonopening 846, and a power button extends 848 through the power buttonopening 846. The battery housing 836 is connected to the array frame 843with array bolts 850 that extend through battery housing extensions 852and into the array frame 843 (FIG. 49. Extending from a locationinternal to the battery housing 836 to a location external to thebattery housing is the power cord 826. The power cord 826 delivers powerfrom the rechargeable batteries 840 to the LED's 62 disposed in thehousing portion 792. The power button extends 848 can be manuallydepressed to cause the LED's 62 to emit light or stop the LED's 62 fromemitting light. The third branch attachment portion 762 is fittedbetween the first and second assembly arms 832 a, 832 b and a solarpanel bolt 835 is extended through the third branch attachment portionopening 768 and the first and second assembly arm openings 834 a, 834 band secured in place with the solar panel nut 835 a. Alternatively, oneof the first and second assembly arm openings 834 a, 834 b is besurrounded by an internal thread indicated by reference number 837 inFIG. 46. The solar panel bolt 835 can be threaded to the internal thread837 such that upon tightening the solar panel bolt 835 the firstassembly arm is 832 a is drawn to the second assembly arm 832 b. Ineither embodiment the third branch 750 is connect to the solar panelassembly 830. It is pointed out that the solar panel assembly 830 can berotated relative to the third branch 750 to virtually any position formaximum sun exposure before the solar panel bolt 835 is tightened thusfixing their relative positions in place.

The first engagement head teeth 754 of the first branch 746 (FIG. 41)are meshed with the mount arm teeth 737 (FIG. 39) of the toothed mountarm portion 736. A mount arm bolt 741 is passed through the poleengagement mount arm opening 738 and the first branch engagement headopening 764 and a mount arm nut 742 is threaded to the mount arm bolt741. It is pointed out that the branched support member 744 can berotated relative to the pole engagement mount arm 734 to virtually anyposition prior to tightening the mount arm nut 742.

As shown in FIG. 50, in another preferred embodiment there is anadjustable band illumination assembly 900 installed on a pole 100. Theadjustable band illumination assembly 900 includes first and secondclamp assemblies 702 a, 702 b that are structurally identical to theclamp assembly 702 described above, and a first pole engagement mount730 a is joined to the first clamp assembly 702 a, and a second poleengagement mount 730 b is joined to the second clamp assembly 702 b, andthe first and second pole engagement mounts 730 a, 730 b arestructurally identical to the above-described pole engagement mount 730(shown in FIGS. 38-40). The first and second clamp assemblies 702 a, 702b are fixed to the pole 100 in the manner previously described and arespaced a clamping distance designated CD apart from one another. Theclamping distance designated CD can be any desired distance as requiredby the user, for example twelve inches, forty inches, seventy inches ormore or less than these distances.

The adjustable band illumination assembly 900 also includes a light armcomponent 902 (FIG. 51) and a solar arm component 930 (FIG. 54). Turningnow to FIGS. 51-53, the light arm component 902 has a first light armend 904 with a toothed light arm portion 906 having light arm teeth 908.The toothed light arm portion 906 defines a toothed light arm opening910. The light arm teeth 908 are capable of meshing with mount arm teeth737 a of the first pole engagement mount 730 a, such that the light armcomponent 902 can be adjusted relative to a first clamp assembly 702 a.Once the desired adjustment is achieved the light arm teeth 908 areintermeshed with the mount arm teeth 737 a and secured in place with alight arm bolt 911 that extends through the toothed light arm opening910 and a pole engagement mount arm opening 738 a, and a light arm nut913 is threaded and tightened to the light arm bolt 911.

The light arm component 902 also has a second light arm end 912 that hasa connecting portion 914 that defines a connecting portion opening 916.There is provided a clamped lighting assembly 780 the same as previouslydescribed, but wherein the lighting assembly engagement head 784 isreplaced with first and second lighting assembly lugs 918 a, 918 b thatdefine first and second lighting assembly lug openings 920 a, 920 b,respectively. The connecting portion opening 916 opening is aligned withand disposed between the first and second lighting assembly lugs 918 a,918 b such that the first and second lighting assembly lug openings 920a, 920 b are aligned with the connecting portion opening 916. A lightingfastener 922 is disposed in the connecting portion opening 916 and thefirst and second lighting lug openings 920 a, 920 b such that theclamped lighting assembly 780 can be adjusted relative to the light armcomponent 902 and secured in place by tightening the lighting fastener922.

As shown in FIGS. 54-56 there is a solar arm component 930 having afirst solar arm end 934 with a toothed solar arm portion 936 from whichextend solar arm teeth 938. The toothed solar arm portion 936 defines atoothed solar arm opening 940. The solar arm teeth 938 mesh with themount arm teeth 737 b of the second pole engagement mount 730 b, suchthat the solar arm component 930 can be adjusted relative to the secondclamp assembly 702 b. Once the desired adjustment is achieved the solararm teeth 938 are intermeshed with the mount arm teeth 737 b and securedin place with a bolt 931 that extends through the toothed solar armopening 910 and the pole engagement mount arm opening 738 b and a solarpanel nut 933.

The solar arm component 930 also has a second light arm end 940 that hasa solar arm engagement portion 942 that defines a solar arm engagementportion opening 944. The solar arm engagement portion 942 has solar armengagement teeth 947. A solar panel unit 945 having a solar panelassembly 946 is provided. The solar panel unit 945 also has a solarpanel engagement head 948 with solar panel engagement head teeth 950. Asolar panel engagement head opening 952 is defined in the solar panelengagement head 948. The solar panel unit 945 also contains arechargeable battery pack 956. The solar arm engagement teeth 947 meshwith the solar panel engagement head teeth 950 and are held togetherwith a solar panel engagement head bolt 953 that extends through thesolar arm engagement portion opening 944 and solar panel engagement headopening 952, and are adjusted relative to one another before tighteningthe solar panel engagement head bolt 953 to a solar panel engagementhead nut 957. Thus, the solar panel unit 945 is adjustable relative tothe solar arm component 930. A power cord 826 connects the solar panelunit 945 to the clamped lighting assembly 780.

In another preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 57 and 58 there is aspike illumination assembly 990 that includes ground spikes 600. Inparticular, a ground spike is provided for supporting each of the solarpanel unit 945 (shown in FIGS. 55 and 56) and the clamped lightingassembly 780 (FIGS. 52 and 53) above the ground 99.

As shown in FIG. 57, there is a ground spike 600 and there is at leastone extension member 620 as previously described, and the spikeinsertion portion 608 is fit in the first extension member end 621 aspreviously described. The extension member 620 also has an opposedsecond extension member end 623. As shown in FIG. 57 there is aconnector member 670 having first and second connector ribs 672, 674.There is a spacing disc 674 a and the spacing disc 674 a issubstantially flush with the edges of the first and second connectorribs 672, 674. In this embodiment the connector member 670 also has aconnector mount plate 675 with connector plate openings 677. One of thepreviously described pole engagement mounts 730 (FIG. 38) is providedhaving a pole engagement base plate 731 that defines base plate openingscommonly designated 733. In this embodiment the base plate 731 has acircular shape. The pole engagement mount arm 734 has a toothed mountarm portion 736 having mount arm teeth 737 and defines a pole engagementmount arm opening 738 as previously described. Connector memberfasteners 679 extend through the connector plate openings 677 and thebase plate openings 733 thus securing the connector member 670 and thepole engagement mount 730. Reference is made to the solar panel unit 945(FIGS. 55 and 56). The previously described solar panel engagement headteeth 950 of the solar panel engagement head 948 (shown in FIG. 56) aremeshed with the mount arm teeth 737 and the two are held together withone of the previously described mount arm bolts 741. After assembly, theground spike 600 is moved into the ground 99 and the solar panel unit945 is elevated above the ground 99.

The spike illumination assembly 990 includes another ground spike 600.As shown in FIG. 58, there is another ground spike 600 that same aspreviously described, and there is at least one extension member 620 aspreviously described, and the spike insertion portion 608 is fit in thefirst extension member end 621 as previously described. The extensionmember 620 also has an opposed second extension member end 623. Fittedin the second extension member end 623 is a light support connectormember 671. In particular, the light support connector member 671 hasfirst and second connector ribs 672, 674 that extend from a first side677 of a support wall member 681, and a light support connector portion683 extends from a second side 685 of the support wall 681. The firstand second ribs 672, 674 are fitted in the second extension member end623. The light support connector portion 683 defines a light supportconnector opening 673. The light support connector 671 is connected tothe clamped lighting assembly 780 of FIG. 53 by inserting the lightsupport connector portion 683 between the first and second lightingassembly lugs 918 a, 918 b (shown in FIG. 52). Then, one of the lightingfasteners 922 is inserted in the first and second lighting lug openings920 a, 920 b and the light support connector opening 673, and it isfixed in place after the clamped lighting assembly 780 has beenadjusted. After assembly, the ground spike 600 is moved into the ground99 and the clamped lighting assembly 780 is elevated above the ground99. A power cord 826 connects the solar panel unit 945 and clampedlighting assembly 780 that are supported by the ground spikes 600.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while theillumination device 10, the illumination apparatus 298, the supportedillumination device 499, the spike supported illumination device 599,the band illumination device 700, the adjustable band illuminationassembly 900, and the spike illumination assembly 590 have beendescribed in detail herein, the invention is not necessarily so limitedand other examples, embodiments, uses, modifications, and departuresfrom the embodiments, examples, uses, and modifications may be madewithout departing from the illumination device 10, the illuminationapparatus 298, the supported illumination device 499, the spikesupported illumination device 599, the band illumination device 700, theadjustable band illumination assembly 900, and the spike illuminationassembly 990 and all such embodiments are intended to be within thescope and spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A band illumination device comprising: a clampassembly that includes at least one screw band clamp having at least oneband; the clamp assembly further includes a pole-engagement componenthaving a base wall from which extend first and second contact walls andwherein the first contact wall defines at least one first contact wallopening and the second contact wall defines at least one second contactwall opening and wherein the band extends through the at least one firstcontact wall opening and the at least one second contact wall opening; apole engagement mount having a pole engagement base plate and a poleengagement mount arm that extends from the pole engagement base plateand the pole engagement base plate is connected to the base wall of thepole engagement component, and wherein the pole engagement mount arm hasa toothed mount arm portion having mount arm teeth and that defines apole engagement mount arm opening; a branched support member having acentral portion from which extend a first branch, a second branch and athird branch and wherein the first branch has a first branch distal endhaving a first branch engagement head that defines first branchengagement head opening and having first engagement head teeth that aremeshed with the mount arm teeth and wherein the first branch engagementhead is connected to the to the toothed mount arm portion with a mountarm bolt that extends through the through the pole engagement mount armopening and the first branch engagement head opening such that thebranched support member can be adjusted relative to the pole engagementmount arm prior to tightening a mount arm nut on the mount arm bolt. 2.The band illumination device according to claim 1 wherein the secondbranch has a second branch distal end with a second branch engagementhead with second engagement head teeth and that defines a second branchengagement head opening, and the third branch has third branch distalend having a third branch attachment portion that defines a third branchattachment portion opening.
 3. The band illumination device according toclaim 2 further including a clamped lighting assembly having a lightingassembly extension member with a lighting assembly engagement headhaving a lighting assembly engagement head toothed portion with lightingassembly engagement head teeth and wherein the lighting assemblyengagement head teeth mesh with the second engagement head teeth and thelighting assembly engagement head is connected to the second branchengagement head.
 4. The band illumination device according to claim 3wherein the clamped lighting assembly is adjusted relative to the secondbranch prior to connecting the clamped lighting assembly to the secondbranch.
 5. The band illumination device according to claim 3 wherein theclamped lighting assembly further includes a housing portion thatdefines a housing portion recess and a cover portion and the lightingassembly extension member is joined to the housing portion, and whereinthe housing portion has a clamping lug that defines a clamping lugopening and first and second plate extensions extend from the housingportion in a direction opposite the clamping lug.
 6. The bandillumination device according to claim 5 further including a pluralityof light emitting diodes are disposed in the housing portion recess. 7.The band illumination device according to claim 5 wherein the coverportion of the clamped lighting assembly further includes a plate frameand a transparent plate surrounded by the plate frame, and wherein theplate frame includes a frame lug that defines a frame lug opening suchthat a frame fastener is capable of being received in the frame lugopening and the clamping lug opening to secure the plate frame to thehousing portion.
 8. The band illumination device according to claim 2further including a solar panel assembly and wherein the attachmentportion of the third branch is connected to the solar panel assembly. 9.The band illumination device according to claim 8 wherein the solarpanel assembly has a pair of facing first and second assembly arms thatextend from a battery housing and define first and second assembly armopenings and the solar panel assembly has a solar array that includes atleast on solar panel that is wired to rechargeable batteries disposed inthe battery housing
 10. The band illumination device according to claim9 wherein the third branch attachment portion is fitted between thefirst and second assembly arms, a solar panel bolt and wherein the solarpanel bolt extends through the third branch attachment portion openingand the first and second assembly arm openings and secured in place witha solar panel nut such that the solar panel assembly can be adjustedrelative to the attachment portion of the third branch prior totightening the solar panel nut.
 11. The band illumination deviceaccording to claim 9 further including a power cord that connects to therechargeable batteries and extends to the light emitting diodes to powerthe light emitting diodes
 12. The band illumination device according toclaim 1 further including a pole and wherein the at least one band ofthe clamp assembly surrounds and is tightened such that the clampassembly is fixedly supported by the pole thus supporting the branchedsupport member and wherein the branched support member has a Y-shape.13. An adjustable band illumination assembly comprising: first andsecond clamp assemblies; a first pole engagement mount having mount armteeth joined to the first clamp assembly; a second identical poleengagement mount having mount arm teeth joined to the second clampassembly; a light arm component having a first light arm end with atoothed light arm portion having light arm teeth that mesh with themount arm teeth of the first pole engagement mount when the light armcomponent is joined to the first pole engagement mount; the light armcomponent having a second light arm end having a connecting portion thatdefines a connecting opening; a clamped lighting assembly having firstand second lighting assembly lugs that define first and second lightingassembly lug openings and a lighting fastener extends though theconnecting portion opening and the first and second lighting assemblylug openings to join the clamped lighting assembly and the light armcomponent; a solar arm component having a first solar arm end with atoothed solar arm portion with solar arm teeth and wherein the solar armteeth mesh with the mount arm teeth of the second pole engagement mountwhen solar arm component is joined to the second pole engagement mount;the solar arm component has a second light arm end that has a solar armengagement portion that has solar arm engagement teeth; a solar panelunit having a solar panel assembly that includes a solar panelengagement head with solar panel engagement head teeth that mesh withthe solar arm engagement teeth of the solar arm engagement portion whenthe solar panel engagement head is joined to the solar arm component.14. The adjustable band illumination assembly according to claim 13wherein each of the first and second clamp assemblies that includes atleast one screw band clamp having at least one band and apole-engagement component having a base wall from which extend first andsecond contact walls and wherein the first contact wall defines at leastone first contact wall opening and the second contact wall defines atleast one second contact wall opening and wherein the band extendsthrough the at least one first contact wall opening and the at least onesecond contact wall opening of each of the first and second clampassemblies.
 15. The adjustable band illumination device according toclaim 14 further including a pole and the screw band clamp of the firstclamp assembly surrounds the pole and is and is supported by the pole,and the screw band clamp of the second clamp assembly surrounds the poleand is and is supported by the pole and the first and second clampassemblies as spaced apart from one another on the pole
 16. Theadjustable band illumination device according to claim 13 wherein thesolar panel unit contains a rechargeable battery pack that is wired tothe clamped lighting assembly and the clamped lighting assembly includesLED's that are powered by the rechargeable battery pack.
 17. A spikeillumination assembly comprising: a ground spike joined to a clampedlighting assembly; another ground spike joined to a solar panel unit;and, a power cord connecting the solar panel unit to clamped lightingassembly to power the clamped lighting assembly